Extended tow boat rope connector for water activities

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a towline guard device which prevents a towline attached to a wakeboard tower of a boat from catching while pulling a rider. The device includes a coupling located at the distal end of the device. The device further includes a boom assembly connected to the coupling. The coupling further provides a first joint which allows the boom assembly to move in a first axis. The boom assembly may comprise one or more elongated members and one or more towline guides.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/788,617, filed Jan. 4, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including but not limited to those portions that specifically appear hereinafter, the incorporation by reference being made with the following exception: In the event that any portion of the above-referenced provisional application is inconsistent with this application, this application supersedes said above-referenced provisional application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to boating and more particularly, but not necessarily entirely, to towing devices for use with tow boats pulling a rider with a wakeboard tower.

BACKGROUND

Wakeboarding is a watersport that involves a rider riding a wakeboard over the surface of a body of water. The rider is usually towed behind a motorized tow boat, typically at speeds of 30-40 km/h (18-25 mph), depending on the board size, rider's weight, type of tricks, and the rider's skill level. The rider holds onto a handle of a towline that is connected to the tow boat.

When wakeboarding first began gaining popularity, towlines were typically attached to the back of the boat, known as a transom. Riders soon realized that the wakeboarding experience could be improved by the use of wakeboard towers that elevated the pull-point above the cockpit of the boat. The advantages to an elevated pull-point include increased air-time on jumps and other tricks because the towline pulls the rider upward. In addition, an elevated pull-point tends to allow riders to get on plane more easily during deep-water starts. Also, an elevated pull-point keeps the towline above the water so the towline does not become caught in turbulence.

The first wakeboard towers were attached to tow boats as aftermarket accessories. With the ever-increasing popularity of wakeboarding, manufacturers have begun offering tow boats with integrated wakeboard towers. Wakeboarders also use wakeboard towers to mount other equipment and accessories, including wakeboard storage racks, running lights, speakers, and sunshade canopies.

One drawback to the use of wakeboard towers is that the towline may become caught on the tow boat or even the accessories mounted to the wakeboard tower while pulling a rider. This problem is compounded by the fact that as a rider performs tricks, the tension on the towline is released and slack develops in the towline. The slacked portion of the towline may catch on items mounted to the wakeboard tower (e.g., side mounted wakeboards, attached wakeboard mounts, etc.) and even parts of the tow boat, such as tie-down cleats. A caught towline is dangerous to both the rider and occupants of the tow boat.

Accordingly, it is one object of this disclosure to provide a towing device for use with wakeboard towers that reduces, or eliminates altogether, instances of a towline becoming caught while towing a rider. Another object of this disclosure is to provide a towing device that reduces instances of catching without interfering with the natural feel of a ride.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a towline guard device which prevents a towline attached to a wakeboard tower of a boat from catching while pulling a rider. The device includes a coupling located at the distal end of the device. The device further includes a boom assembly connected to the coupling. The coupling further provides a first joint which allows the boom assembly to move in a first axis. The boom assembly may comprise one or more elongated members and one or more towline guides.

Further disclosed herein is a system which comprises a coupler connectable to a boat and a boom assembly. The coupler may include a first joint that allows movement of the coupler around a first axis. The boom assembly may include one or more elongated members. The boom assembly may further include one or more towline guides connected to the one or more elongated members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary towline guard apparatus having a clamp assembly, joint assembly and a boom with a plurality of towline guides;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded and fragmentary view of the clamp and joint assemblies of the towline guard apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded and fragmentary view of a mid-boom coupling assembly of the towline guard apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded and fragmentary view of an end-boom towline guide assembly of the towline guard apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the towline guard apparatus of FIG. 1 and its rotation in a first plane around a first axis;

FIG. 6 illustrates a sideview of the towline guard apparatus and its rotation in a second plane around a second axis; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a tow boat having the towline guard apparatus of FIG. 1 installed on its tower and pulling a rider on a wakeboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific techniques and embodiments are set forth, such as particular techniques and configurations, in order to provide a thorough understanding of the device disclosed herein. While the techniques and embodiments will primarily be described in context with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will further appreciate that the techniques and embodiments may also be practiced in other similar devices.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. It is further noted that elements disclosed with respect to particular embodiments are not restricted to only those embodiments in which they are described. For example, an element described in reference to one embodiment or figure, may be alternatively included in another embodiment or figure regardless of whether or not those elements are shown or described in another embodiment or figure. In other words, elements in the figures may be interchangeable between various embodiments disclosed herein, whether shown or not.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a towline guard apparatus 100 for use in watersports, such as wakeboarding. The towline guard apparatus 100 extends between a proximal end 102 and a distal end 104. As used herein, the term “proximal end” refers to the end of the apparatus 100 nearest the point of attachment to a wakeboard tower and the term “distal end” refers to the end of the apparatus 100 furthest from the point of attachment to the wakeboard tower. The apparatus 100 further includes a coupling assembly 106 disposed at its proximal end 102. The coupling assembly 106 is utilized to attach the towline guard apparatus 100 to a wakeboard tower on a boat. Alternatively, coupling assembly 106 may be attached to other parts on a boat. That is, the coupling assembly 106 may connect the apparatus 100 to a frame or pull point of a wakeboard tower or the pull-points on a boat.

The towline guard apparatus 100 may further include a boom assembly 108 that terminates at the distal end 104. The boom assembly 108 may comprise a boom 110 formed from a first elongated member 112 and a second elongated member 114. A coupler 116 may join the first elongated member 112 and the second elongated member 114. Disposed on a distal end of the second elongated member 114 is an end cap 118 that may include a towline guide 120. It will be appreciated the boom 110 may be formed of a single elongated member or a plurality of elongated members. The elongated members forming the boom 110 may be formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as metal, fiberglass or plastic. The elongated members may be formed of a semi-rigid material to allow the boom 110 some flexibility.

The boom assembly 108 may further comprise a plurality of towline guides 120. The towline guides 120 are operable to receive and hold a towline while the towline itself may be connected to the boat or to towline guard apparatus 100. The towline guides 120 may hang from the underside of the boom 110. Although only towline guides 120 are shown in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the towline guard apparatus 100 may include more or less than this number. One of the towline guides 120 may be connected to boom 110 adjacent the coupler 116 and the other of the towline guides 120 may be connected to boom 110 adjacent the end cap 118.

Interposed between the coupling 106 and the boom assembly 108 is a joint assembly 122. The joint assembly 122 may include a first joint 124 that allows the boom assembly 108 to pivot around a first axis 134 and a second joint 126 that allows the boom assembly 108 to pivot around a second axis 136. When a rotation is described around a certain axis, the description is not meant to limit or require any degree of rotation but only that rotation can occur. Interposed between the joint assembly 122 and the boom assembly 108 is an optional compartment 128. The compartment 128 provides a receptacle for receiving a removable electronics housing 130 and may be occupied or unoccupied as will be described in more detail hereinafter. Disposed on the distal side of the compartment 128 is a coupler 132 that joins the first elongated member 112 and the compartment 128. The couple may also be comprised of the female end of a sliding dovetail and other connectors that may include screws, rivets, adhesives, bolts, and etc.

Referring to FIG. 2, the coupling assembly 106 may include a clamp 206 defined by a first semi-collar 200 and a second semi-collar 202. The first semi-collar 200 and the second semi-collar 202 may be joined together and clamped around a part of a wakeboard tower using fasteners 204. That is, the first semi-collar 200 and the second semi-collar 202, i.e., the clamp 206, is operable to attach the towline guard apparatus 100 to a wakeboard tower or pull point on a boat.

The clamp 206 may attach to a pull-point of the wakeboard tower, some other part of the wakeboard tower frame, or a boat itself. It will be appreciated that coupling devices other than the clamp 206 may be utilized to secure a towline guard apparatus of the present disclosure to a wakeboard tower. For example, a bracket assembly may be used for attaching a towline guard apparatus to a wakeboard tower. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the coupling assembly used to attach the towline guard apparatus to a wakeboard tower may include clamps, brackets, straps, bolts, pins, rods, supports, and other mechanical coupling devices.

The first joint 124 may comprise a first bore 210 formed in an insert portion 212. The insert portion 212 and the second semi-collar 202 may integrated into a single component. The first joint 124 may further comprise a first barrel portion 214 and a second barrel portion 216 separated by a gap 218. A second bore 220 may extend through the first barrel portion 214 and the second barrel portion 216. The insert portion 212 may be installed into the gap 218 and a pin 222 may be installed into the first bore 210 and the second bore 220 to hold the first joint 124 together and to create the first axis 134 of rotation. A locking pin 224 may be installed in a third bore 226 to hold the pin 222 in place.

The second joint 126 may comprise a first side member 230 and a second side member 232. A bore 234 extends through the first side member 230 and the second side member 232. A plurality of notches 238 are formed on an inside face 240 of the first side member 230. A plurality of teeth 242 are formed on an inside face 244 of the second side member 232. The plurality of notches 238 are configured and adapted to interlock with the plurality of teeth 242 to provide a locking feature for the second joint 126. The plurality of notches 238 and the plurality of teeth 242 may be set up that rotating the plurality of teeth 242 one notch may be equivalent to a rotation of 1 degree. Additionally, a fastener 246 is installed into the bore 234 to engage the plurality of notches 238 and the plurality of teeth 242 to thereby lock the position of the second joint 126 at a predetermined position. The second side member 232, the first barrel portion 214 and the second barrel portion 216 may be integrated into a single component.

As shown in FIG. 2, the compartment 128 and the first side member 230 may be integrated into a single component. Also, the first side member 230 may have a base joint that allows the mating between the first side member 230 and the compartment 128. The junction 252 between the first side member 230 and the compartment 128 may be a sliding dove tail. The compartment 128 may enclose an area on five sides and have an open top. The compartment 128 is configured and adapted to removably receive the housing 130. The housing 130 may comprise a battery and other electronics such as connections for lights. The housing 130 may be locked into the compartment 128 using a locking feature, such as a snap-lock feature. Furthermore, the housing 130 may or may not contain a battery or other electronics to facilitate lighting either for the skier or decorative lighting that extends along a length of the boom.

The manner in which the first elongated member 112 and the compartment 128 are joined will now be described. A bore 250 may be formed in a distal side of the compartment 128. A backer plate may cover an inside end of the bore 250. A female threaded insert 254 may be installed into the bore 250. A gasket 256 may be interposed between the backer plate and the female threaded insert 254. The coupler 132 may include a male threaded end 258. The male threaded end 258 may be matingly engaged into the female threaded insert 254. The coupler 132 may further include a bore 260 for receiving a proximal end 262 of the first elongated member 112. In another implementation an elongated member 262 is extendible in a telescoping manner.

Referring to FIG. 3, the manner in which the first elongated member 112 and the second elongated member 114 are joined will now be described. The coupler 116 may comprise a male adapter 300 having a male threaded end 302 and a female bore at the other end. The coupler 116 may further comprise a female adapter 304 having a female bore 306 at one end and a threaded female bore at the other end. The male threaded end 302 of the male adapter 300 is configured and adapted to matingly engage the threaded female bore of the female adapter 304. A gasket 308 may be interposed between the male adapter 300 and the female adapter 304.

A proximal end 310 of the second elongated member 114 may be installed into the female bore 306 of the female adapter 304. Likewise, a distal end 312 of the first elongated member 112 may be installed into the female bore of the male adapter 300. Coupler 116 may be positioned between first elongated member 112 and second elongated member 114.

The coupler 116 may also include a towline guide mount 314 that includes a hollow cylindrical portion 316 that is installed onto the shaft of the first elongated member 112. The towline guide mount 314 may further include the towline guide 318 for receiving the towline. In another embodiment, the towline guide that comprises a carabiner that clips onto the ring.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the manner in which the end cap 118 is installed onto the second elongated member 114 will now be described. The end cap 118 comprises an end piece 400. The end piece 400 may include a solid end 402 and is installed onto a distal end 406 of the second elongated member 114 that may attach to the hollow cylindrical portion 316. The end cap 118 may further include a towline guide mount 314. As before, the towline guide mount 314 includes the towline guide 318 for attaching the towline. Again, the towline guide may include a carabiner that clips onto the towline guide 318. Also, the towline guide 318 that is attached to the towline guide mount 314 may perform the function of the carabiner wherein the towline may be strung through the towline guide 318.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the boom 110 of the towline guard apparatus 100 may pivot in a first plane via the first joint 124 as defined by the pin 222. It will be appreciated that the movement of the boom 110 in the first plane may correspond to a rider moving left and right behind a boat. That is, the first joint 124 allows the boom 110 to track the rider as the rider moves left and right behind the boat.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the boom 110 of the towline guard apparatus 100 may pivot in a second plane via the second joint 126 as defined by the fastener 246. It will be appreciated that the movement of the boom 110 in the second plane may correspond to a towline angle. That is, the second joint 126 allows the angle of the boom 110 in the second plane to be adjustable to account for towers of different heights.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown the towline guard apparatus 100 in use. The towline guard apparatus 100 is secured to a wakeboard tower 700 of a tow boat 702. A towline 704 has a first end 706 attached to the tower 700 and that is threaded through the towline guides 120 on the boom 110. A second end of the towline 704 has a handle 708 for gripping by a rider 710. As observed, the boom 110 maintains and keeps the towline 704 from catching on the boat 702 or the wakeboard tower 700. Moreover, the boom 110 will track the rider 710 as she moves from left to right behind the boat 702.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not exhaustive and does not limit the invention to the precise forms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, components described herein may be removed and other components added without departing from the scope or spirit of the embodiments disclosed herein or the appended claims.

Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a coupling located at the distal end of the device; a boom assembly connected to the coupling, the coupling providing a first joint which allows the boom assembly to move in a first axis; the boom assembly comprising: one or more elongated members, and one or more towline guides.
 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a second joint that allows movement of the boom assembly in a second axis.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the second joint includes a locking mechanism to lock the joint at a certain angle in the second axis.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first joint rotates around the first axis to track the movement of a towline.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the coupling is connectable to a boat.
 6. The device of claim 5, wherein the coupling is connectable to a wakeboard tower of the boat.
 7. The device of claim 5, wherein the towline is used to tow a person behind the boat.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more elongated members are made using a rigid material.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more elongated members are made using a semi-rigid material.
 10. A system comprising: a coupler connectable to a boat, the coupler including a first joint that allows movement of the coupler around a first axis; and a boom assembly comprising: one or more elongated members, one or more towline guides connected to the one or more elongated members.
 11. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a second joint that allows movement of the boom assembly around a second axis.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the second joint includes a locking mechanism to lock the joint at a certain angle in the second axis.
 13. The system of claim 10, wherein the first joint rotates around the first axis and tracks the movement of a towline.
 14. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more elongated member is made using a rigid material.
 15. The system of claim 10, wherein the one or more elongated members is made using a semi-rigid material.
 16. The system of claim 10, wherein the length of the one or more elongated members is extendable.
 17. The system of claim 10, wherein the boom is connectable to the coupler.
 18. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the one or more towline guides includes a ring that provides an opening that is disposed to be parallel to the towline guide.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the at least one of the one or more towline guides is disposed at a coupling between the one or more elongated members.
 20. The system of claim 10, wherein at least one of the one or more towline guides includes a ring that provides an opening that is disposed to be perpendicular to the towline guide. 